AWS Welding Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which welding position is designated as '2F' in AWS terminology?
- Flat fillet weld
- Horizontal fillet weld (Correct answer)
- Vertical fillet weld
- Overhead fillet weld
Correct answer: Horizontal fillet weld
The '2F' designation refers to a horizontal fillet weld, where the joint is on a vertical surface and the weld is deposited horizontally.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a tack weld in welding operations?
- To provide the final structural strength
- To temporarily hold workpieces in alignment before final welding (Correct answer)
- To create a decorative finish on the base metal
- To preheat the base metal before welding
Correct answer: To temporarily hold workpieces in alignment before final welding
Tack welds are small, temporary welds used to hold workpieces in proper alignment and position before the final weld is made.
Question 3: In GMAW (MIG welding), what does 'short-circuit transfer' refer to?
- An electrical fault in the welding machine
- Metal transfer where the wire touches the weld pool causing a short circuit (Correct answer)
- A transfer mode used only for overhead welding
- A high-voltage spray of molten droplets
Correct answer: Metal transfer where the wire touches the weld pool causing a short circuit
Short-circuit transfer occurs when the electrode wire contacts the weld pool, causing a short circuit that melts the wire tip and transfers metal at low voltage.
Question 4: What is the recommended travel angle for most flat-position welding passes?
- 0 to 5 degrees
- 5 to 15 degrees (Correct answer)
- 30 to 45 degrees
- 60 to 75 degrees
Correct answer: 5 to 15 degrees
A travel angle (drag or push) of 5 to 15 degrees from vertical provides good visibility and proper shielding gas coverage in flat-position welding.
Question 5: Which technique is used when welding thin sheet metal to reduce distortion?
- Continuous stringer bead from start to finish
- Backstep welding sequence (Correct answer)
- Weaving with maximum oscillation
- Single pass at maximum amperage
Correct answer: Backstep welding sequence
Backstep welding deposits short weld segments in the direction opposite to overall progression, balancing heat input and minimizing distortion on thin materials.
Question 6: What is undercutting in welding, and what typically causes it?
- A groove melted in the base metal along the weld toe, usually from excessive current or arc length (Correct answer)
- A groove cut into metal before welding to improve penetration
- The technique of welding below the base metal surface
- A method of removing weld reinforcement flush with the base metal
Correct answer: A groove melted in the base metal along the weld toe, usually from excessive current or arc length
Undercutting is a groove melted into the base metal along the weld toe that remains unfilled, commonly caused by excessive amperage, arc length, or travel speed.
Question 7: When using the FCAW process outdoors, which type of flux-cored wire is preferred?
- Gas-shielded FCAW wire (FCAW-G)
- Self-shielded FCAW wire (FCAW-S) (Correct answer)
- Solid wire with 100% CO2 shielding
- Bare wire without any flux
Correct answer: Self-shielded FCAW wire (FCAW-S)
Self-shielded FCAW wire (FCAW-S) generates its own shielding from the flux core and is preferred outdoors because wind does not blow away external shielding gas.
AWS Welding Techniques 2
Which welding position is designated as '2F' in AWS terminology?